Samuel Hall, 47 Years a Slave: A Brief Story of His Life Before and After Freedom Came to Him

The Truth of SlaveryTold by One Who Lived It

Confronting the greatest evil of any era, Samuel recounts his harrowing journey of endurance, faith, and eventual freedom. In the face of near-death experiences, he reveals the stark realities of slavery, witnessing both the best and worst of humanity during this dark period in our history.

From the depths of the South in Iredell County, North Carolina, to the brutal slave markets of Memphis, Samuel's journey traverses the Civil War and culminates in a free life in Washington, Iowa, where he owns a farm, makes lifelong friends, and sends his children to public school. He traces his family's roots back to Liberia, naming his siblings and children, many of whom were sold and never seen again. Some found early freedom, while others, like Samuel, endured until the end.

Over 112 years later, Samuel's narrative offers a rare and poignant glimpse into a world that, thankfully, no longer exists in the United States. Understanding the profound evil of slavery is crucial.

Read this powerful account to grasp its deep and lasting impact.

Samuel Hall (1818 - ?) tells his life story in first person in this public domain work: "Samuel Hall, 47 Years a Slave: A Brief Story of His Life Before and After Freedom Came to Him". This origin story is a raw and truthful depiction of the life of a slave in the United States. His story tells of his parents from Liberia to his birth to family separations, to work, to marriage, to children, to losing it all, to fighting in the Civil War for the South and delivering intelligence to the Union army, to the chance for revenge, and then, with the end of the war, to freedom. He lived the second half of his life in Washington, Iowa, surrounded by good friends, and family, bought a farm, and raised children. Orville Elder says in this book about his life "He has always been highly respected by those who knew him and those who have known him intimately know that he is made of the kind of stuff that heroes are built from. In authorizing the publication of this short story of his life he did it, not because he felt that his life was entitled to any greater publicity than the lives of thousands of others, but because he wanted to express in some public way the great sense of gratitude which he feels toward the people of the community in which he has lived his free life."

John Orville Elder (1886-1940) was born in Illinois and moved to Washington, Iowa when he was eighteen. He earned his teaching certificate and taught school. He bought the Washington Evening Journal in 1900 and was its editor until shortly before his death. In 1912 he published the story of Samuel Hall. We owe him a great debt for preserving this amazing and true story.

Suzan David, a talented and accomplished individual, holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Mississippi and an MBA from Christian Brothers University. Raised as an Army "Brat," Suzan experienced a dynamic and diverse upbringing, living in Germany three times in various towns and states across the United States. She comes from a family of five siblings, with a mother who was an actress and a father who served in the Army. Suzan's early life was marked by frequent moves, which instilled a sense of adaptability and resilience. One significant move was relocating from Tacoma, Washington, to Washington, Iowa, in the middle of her senior year of high school. Despite the challenges, she embraced new environments and thrived. In 1980, while attending the University of Iowa, Suzan met and married Brent David. Their union has been a source of joy and stability for over four decades. Together, they have raised two children, who are their pride and joy and are now blessed with three grandchildren. Currently residing in Memphis, Tennessee, Suzan and Brent enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. Suzan is a skilled website designer and an innovative creator of books. Her latest venture involves publishing this book, intended to benefit all, showcasing her dedication to sharing knowledge and contributing positively to the community. With a rich and varied life experience, Suzan David exemplifies creativity, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Her journey from an Army "Brat" to a successful professional and devoted family woman is a testament to her remarkable character and unwavering determination.